By Rabindra Rooplall
THE Government Technical Institute (GTI) gained an overall 75 per cent pass rate at the Guyana Technical Education Examination, with about 359 students writing this national examination.

This was disclosed yesterday at GTI’s Annual Graduation and Prize Giving ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre.
The Mechanical Department emerged as the Most Outstanding Department in the academic year 2014/2015, with an overall pass rate of 93 per cent. However, the valedictorian for 2015, Kevin Corrid, pursued studies in the Science Department and read for a Diploma in Science, gaining a pass with distinction.
Meanwhile, giving the charge to the graduands, business magnate and Gafsons Industries Limited Chief Executive Officer, Sattaur Gafoor said because of hard work the students who first entered the institute’s door two years ago now have a profession which enables them to earn a livelihood.
“Today marks an historical day in the annals of the Guyana Technical Institute. For the first time almost 500 graduands will be given certificates, confirming they have been certified in competence in the various fields in which they have studied,” Mr Gafoor said.
“You have earned your certificate and you have brought joyful happiness not only to your educators but also to your parents, to your families and to your friends. Congratulations to you all.”

PROVE TO YOUR EMPLOYER
He pointed out that the certificates they have received would tell the potential employer that the applicants have theoretical and some amount of practical experience.
“The bottom line, you now have to prove to your employer that you have the competence and the acumen in the actual job situations and that you will contribute to the profits of his organisation.”
And noting that Guyana is in the throes of development, Gafoor said development needs the human resource as a factor to propel the various advancements in all sectors.
“It is almost certain that the government will pursue the hydro-electricity project – the Norwegians are pushing the government to have this in place…. Solar power is the way for the future as computerisation was two decades ago. This is yet an untapped source for employment…. Exxon is moving forward with its exploration for oil and natural gas resources… and once the price of gold returns to its former glory we will see a plethora of activities.”

“Do not feel that because you do not have a university degree that you are disadvantaged. On the contrary, based on my own experience, skilled people earn more than those who have studied at university for over four years and leave with a BSc degree in Sociology. Seldom can they find a suitable job to pay as much as you will earn” – Sattaur Gafoor

He emphasised that all of these industries will need welders, electricians, electrical engineers and mechanics among others.
“If we put together all of our qualified people to provide for all the skills required, only for these areas, I doubt whether we will be able to fill 50 per cent of the required vacancies.”
Guyana needs skilled workers, the business magnate said, so people need to put their hands and their backs to keep the wheels of industries grinding.
“No country with vast natural resources as ours can develop without technical skills. Yes, we do need accountants, yes we do need managers but the real people to develop any country are those with the skills. You are the ones who will provide employment to the accountants, the managers,” Gafoor declared.
“Do not feel that because you do not have a university degree that you are disadvantaged. On the contrary, based on my own experience, skilled people earn more than those who have studied at university for over four years and leave with a BSc degree in Sociology. Seldom can they find a suitable job to pay as much as you will earn.”
He advised the students to plan their careers and get help while having a vision of what they want to achieve over the next five years and what is to be achieved year by year.
“From time to time challenges will be faced but remain steadfast and never lose sight of your ultimate goal. These challenges will help you build determination,” Mr Gafoor said.

HAVE A VISION
The eminent businessman said knowledge and dedication will aid one’s vision, and one of the greatest men who walked the earth during our lifetime never lost sight of his vision. Even in prison enduring humiliation and great hardships, he continued his law studies and wrote exams.
That person was the late Nelson Mandela who said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. He changed apartheid in South Africa through education and humility.
“Congratulations on your graduation, you have a great future, have a vision, strive for its attainment, never lose sight, never compromise and let humility, integrity and perseverance be your guiding star,” Gafoor advised the 2015 graduating class.
Meanwhile, GTI is celebrating its 64th year of existence and is continuing in its dedicated service of helping the youth achieve professional success though personalised career support with specific educational programmes in technical and vocational education and training.

HISTORY
The GTI began operations in May of 1951 in temporary accommodation in the Queen’s College compound. By July of the said year it was removed to its present location. The original purpose of the institution was to provide training in craft skills but by July 1956, technician level courses were introduced and by September 1961, diploma level programmes were included, bringing the total number of courses offered to 38. Courses are conducted on full-time, day-release and evening bases.
In addition, in September 2012, the institute commenced skills training in Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) in 10 areas – masonry, plumbing, furniture making, motor vehicle repairs, metal work engineering, metal welding engineering, data operations, and general office administration.
In 2014, motor vehicle engine systems, motor vehicle chassis systems, and light metal fabrication were added to the list of programmes offered. The academic year 2015/2015 also saw the offering of Level 2 competencies in electrical installation, welding, data operations and masonry. These participants can be trained in an occupation and be certified by the national body (TVET) and regional body (CANTA) and obtain employment throughout the Caribbean and further afield.
For the academic year 2014/2015, the total enrolment of students was 1,763.